Aaron Glenn set to make long-awaited return to his old stomping grounds

Before Aaron Glenn was the head coach of the New York Jets, he was the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, helping Dan Campbell turn around what was one of the worst organizations in football before their arrival.

Of course, Glenn is trying to do the same exact thing with the Jets right now.

Glenn only got head coach consideration around the league thanks to what he was able to accomplish in Detroit. He helped build a pretty awesome defense, going from one of the league's worst units to one of the best in his final season in 2024, despite a wide variety of injuries.

Now, he's set to return to the place he once called home in Week 3, as his Jets get ready to take on the Lions in what is sure to be a slugfest between two coaches' teams that know each other well.

"A place that I coached, a place that I have fond memories, a place that we want to win," Glenn told reporters this past week.

Aaron Glenn left his mark on the Lions

Several members of the Lions organization, from players to coaches, spoke this past week about Glenn and what he was able to accomplish in Detroit. It's clear that he was beloved there and was a positive presence throughout his four seasons as defensive coordinator.

Campbell spoke about his and Glenn's relationship, which dates back to their respective playing days. The two played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2005.

"AG means the world to me. He’s one of my dearest friends because I know what he’s made of. One of the greatest days of my life was him getting that job, and one of the worst days of my life was him getting that job. Because you’re losing a little piece of you. That’s what he meant to me, and to us."

For the first time in their respective careers, the two will face off against one another as head coaches on opposite sidelines, and it will surely be a new experience for both Glenn and Campbell.

Even Lions players loved Aaron Glenn

You would think since Glenn coached the defense in Detroit, it would be his former defenders waxing poetically about him ahead of their Week 3 matchup.

While they certainly did love him, it was a quote from Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams that stood out this past week, and he told The Brad Galli Show how much Glenn's support meant to him as a young player.

"We had a very strong relationship. He was there for me through it all. One of the coaches who also never gave up on me. I appreciate AG a lot."

Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, expect to see a lot of hugs and daps between Glenn and his ex-Lions players and coaches. There are obviously some very special relationships that were built throughout his time in Detroit.

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